3 Day Victoria Falls Itinerary: Adventure-Packed Guide
Victoria Falls is one of the world’s largest waterfalls. It’s on the border of Zambia and Zimbabwe. At 5,604 feet wide, it feels like it goes on forever! It’s known as The Smoke That Thunders and it really earns the nickname!
Victoria Falls is really easy to visit. This post will cover everything you need to know to plan your Victoria Falls Itinerary.
Victoria Falls Itinerary Overview
Day 1- Arrive in Victoria Falls and have dinner overlooking the river
Day 2- Walk the Falls and Take a Sunset Cruise
Day 3- Brave Devil’s Pool and Walk around Victoria Falls
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Quick Stop- Tours and Guides
- Pride is a local who runs Amazing Falls Travel. He was incredible to work with. I’m not an affiliate; I just had a great experience with him.
Getting There & Logistics for Your Trip
Having a local guide can help, but there are some logistics you’ll want to know.
First, the currency in Zimbabwe is officially the Zimbabwean Dollar. But, it suffers a great deal from inflation in the country and is really quite volatile. So, they use the US Dollar more than anything. Even ATMs give out US dollars.
There are ATMs at the airport and around the city. But they aren’t always stocked. Trying to find an ATM with cash in it on a Monday morning can prove difficult. Bring enough from home to get you by, and you can use the local ATMs if you need more.
Due to local inflation, prices in Zimbabwe were high. It was really like traveling in the US.
Visas
You’ll need a visa to enter Zimbabwe and Zambia if you’re an American. There is a specific visa that allows you to enter both countries.
You’ll want to see the falls from both sides, so getting a visa for both is a good idea. Otherwise, you’ll pay more and deal with a delay if you try to travel between them.
It’s the KAZA UNIVISA, and it costs $50 (USD) per person. They take USD, but be sure you have cash and that the bills are in good shape.
You can apply for your visa online before you travel or pay for it on arrival. I paid on arrival and had no issues. It actually went quite quickly.
Travel Between Zambia and Zimbabwe
Travel between Zambia and Zimbabwe is really quite easy. But it’s probably not what you expect.
It is very expensive to drive cars across the border. So, if you take a tour, you’ll have a driver in Zimbabwe who will drop you off at the border and help you get through the checkpoint. Then, another driver will meet you on the Zambia side to continue your journey.
The reverse happens on the way back.
When I heard this for the first time, it sounded confusing and intimidating. But they do this every day, and it was really quite smooth.
You can also walk across the border on your own if you’d like. Many people were doing this to get photos of the falls.
Just be sure you have the correct visa, and it won’t be a problem.
Getting Around Victoria Falls
At the very least, hire a local to drive you around. It wasn’t worth it to drive myself around. But you could rent a car and do that as well.
Even if you mostly plan your whole trip on your own, like me, it’s still easier to have a driver to help you get around.
I met Pride through our Airbnb, and he was a rockstar. He helped us immensely and made the stay easy. If you’re looking for someone, I’d highly recommend him. His website is here, but I can also share his What’s App information if you reach out.
You likely won’t have cell phone service in Zimbabwe.
Download What’s App if you don’t already have it. Most restaurants have Wi-Fi. You’ll use What’s App to message your driver and look up any information you need.
It was stressful at first. I use Google Fi, so I’m not used to being without cell service.
But it’s typical there, and they have figured out their workarounds. Don’t stress about it. It was really no big deal.
Victoria Falls Itinerary – Day 1
You’ll likely land in Victoria Falls in the afternoon. It takes some time to get through border control and get from the airport to where you’re staying.
The Victoria Falls airport can handle some pretty massive jets. I was surprised by how crowded it was.
By the time you get settled in, you won’t have a lot of time.
For dinner tonight, consider going to a restaurant that overlooks the canyon.
The Lookout Cafe has a beautiful outdoor dining deck with a great view.
Try to get there a bit before sunset so you can watch it from your table. A reservation isn’t a bad idea if you want a good view.
As far as gluten-free meals go, they weren’t my all-time favorite. I didn’t get sick, and they seemed to understand celiac disease fairly well. I realize that’s a low bar.
This is one of the places a gluten-free dining card could come in handy.
Dietary Cards
I don’t always take a card with me. But Equal Eats is the only brand I’ll use now.
I like that I can custom order a card to include my sesame allergy along with celiac.
I’ve tried several others that were recommended by Celiac bloggers and they were no good.
The wait staff laughed at the translation and said it was wrong.
Victoria Fall Itinerary- Day 2
On your first full day, start at Victoria Falls National Park.
Summer (Sept 1 to April 30) – 6:00 am until 6:00 pm
Winter (May 1 to August 31) – 6:30 am until 6:00 pm
Park entrance is $50 (USD) per person for international visitors.
Plan to spend the morning walking along the path for a full view of the falls. The out-and-back trail is mostly flat. You’ll weave through the rainforest a bit. You’ll be able to view the falls almost the whole time.
Bring waterproof gear for your camera, passport, etc. Anything you don’t want to get wet.
I managed to walk the whole way out and not get very wet. However, the wind shifted by the time I walked back, and my bangs were dripping wet after only a few minutes.
The spray of the waterfall can blow on you at any time.
Plan to get wet.
The Rainforest Cafe in the park had some decent lunch options. I love smoothie bowls and smoothies! The roasted chicken was a great lunch.
There is an artisan market across the street. It’s a good place to look around, and the people are all very welcoming and helpful.
It can be overwhelming. If you look too long or show interest in an item, they’ll go out of their way to find it for you.
I mentioned to one of the artisans that I liked a giraffe he had, but it was too large to carry in my luggage. A few minutes later, he was back with one that was just what I wanted.
Try to be stressed if the market puts you out of your comfort zone – me too! This is a great place to get some souvenirs!
In the afternoon, take a sunset cruise on the Zambezi River. There are several options for cruises.
The most common option is a dinner cruise. They can accommodate special diets but ask lots of questions on booking to be sure you feel good about it.
Another, not publicized, option is to go fishing on the Zambezi. Pride was able to set this up. I saw hippos and elephants.
The highlight was that I caught a tiger fish!
I felt like I was channeling my inner Jeremy Wade from River Monsters. It was a very cool and unique experience.
Victoria Falls Itinerary – Day 3
On your last day in Victoria Falls, go on an adventure!
If you visit from mid-August until January, you can visit Livingstone Island and Devil’s Pool. This tour should 100% be on your Victoria Falls itinerary.
It depends on the water levels of the Zambezi, but if you’re visiting in the right season, it’s a must!
The tour takes about 3 hours. If you’re staying in Zimbabwe, you have to cross the border into Zambia in both directions, which will take most of your day. However, it’s worth it.
You’ll meet to be picked up for your tour of Devil’s Pool from Zimbabwe. Bring your passports with the correct visa!
After crossing the border, it’s a short drive to where you’ll board the boat and head to Livingstone Island. The ride out to the island is interesting in itself. Boating toward the falls is a surreal feeling!
You’ll get changed and follow your guides out to the pools. You’ll want to be able to swim a bit. If you’re not comfortable in water, this may not be a fun experience.
Your group takes turns, and then you head back to the island to dry off and have a bit to eat.
They were able to accommodate lots of diets, including my gluten-free needs.
Some of the best conversations of the trip were around this table after looking over the edge of the falls.
After cleaning up, spend some time in Victoria Falls exploring the shops and restaurants before dinner.
More Options in Victoria Falls
There are so many things to do in Victoria Falls that you won’t be able to do them all in three days. Consider these activities if you have extra time or want to change the itinerary around.
Helicopter Ride to See the Falls From Above
Victoria Falls is one of the few places a helicopter ride can add to your experience. The falls are so massive that seeing them from the air is the only way to get a full picture of how big they are.
There are multiple options for helicopter rides over the falls.
Some also include a guided tour of the national park. I don’t think you need the tour, but you’ll want to be aware of it when you plan the rest of your itinerary.
I didn’t splurge for this because I didn’t realize the value in it until it was too late to book. I’m a little sad I didn’t get to do it.
Bungee Jump or Swing in the Canyon
I’m an adventurous girl. I draw that line at bungee jumping and sky diving. I hate the sensation of falling.
But, if that’s your thing, there are few places as special as this to give it a go!
Head out to the bridge between Zimbabwe and Zambia to take the leap!
Where to Stay: Victoria Falls or Livingstone?
You can stay in either and should be prepared to travel to both.
Most of the falls (75%) are viewable from Zimbabwe. Plus, there were better flights into Victoria Falls when I was booking.
I enjoyed staying on the Zimbabwe side of the falls. I was happy with that decision.
If you’re traveling with celiac or food allergies, get a place with a kitchen. There aren’t many restaurants that will feel safe for you.
This is a comparable property that isn’t through Airbnb.
Gluten-Free in Victoria Falls
Being Gluten-Free in Victoria Falls was okay. It wasn’t super easy or exceptionally difficult.
Having a kitchen was great. I was able to go to the grocery. That made the whole stay less stressful.
Lookout Cafe– As mentioned above, it wasn’t my favorite meal. The view was incredible. The food was pretty good. I felt reasonably safe as a Celiac.
3 Monkeys—I ate here twice. The menu is not marked with gluten-free options, but I was able to ask some questions, and they were wonderfully patient. I ordered a steak and potatoes both nights. It’s one of the best steaks I’ve ever had. So, as long as you’re okay asking some questions, 3 Monkeys is a good option.
What If You Have More Time?
If you have more time, consider adding on a safari in Chobe National Park in Botswana. The park is very close to the Zimbabwe border, and companies make it easy to get there.
It’s still one of my favorite safari experiences.
The experience is incredible!
What if You Have Less Time?
No worries if you only have a few days in Victoria Falls. You can still see a lot.
You could combine your walk around Zimbabwe National Park with the trip to Devil’s Pool. You’ll need to plan longer days.
Make sure to get your tickets to Devil’s Pool or any other activity early if you’re on a tight schedule.
Your Victoria Falls Itinerary
I hope you enjoy Victoria Falls. It’s one of the most incredible natural wonders I’ve visited.
I really hope you have the same experience!
Is Victoria Falls Safe?
100%. The people of Vic Falls want you to have a great time. Everyone takes pride in their country and its natural treasures.
That said, don’t plan to walk around small streets at night. Make smart choices, and you’ll be fine.
When is the best time to visit Victoria Falls?
It depends on what you want to see and do.
March to May is when the water flow is heaviest.
August to January is when the flower flow is lowest. So, this is when Devil’s Pool is usually open.
Anytime will be wonderful. It just depends on what your goals are.
Is Victoria Falls worth visiting?
Yes. It is absolutely worth visiting. The natural wonder is breathtaking.
Do I need to book a full tour in Victoria Falls?
No. You don’t need to book a full tour. Most hotels and accommodations will help you get anything booked you need.
You can book tours on your own if you want. Then, hire a driver when you arrive.
But, if you feel better with a full tour being booked for you that’s an option too.
Do what makes you feel best about your trip.
